Free service coin-controlled machine



FREE SERVICE COIN CONTROLLED MACHINE Original Filed Dec. 26', 1940 '2 Sheets-Sheet l nnentor Dec. "12, 1944. H. s. BENJAMIN 2,364,939

FREE SERVICE CQIN CONTROLLED MACHINE Original Filed Dec. 26, 1940 2 Shets-Sheet 2 Patented Dec. 12, 1944 UNITED- FREE SERVICE COIN-CONTROLLED,

MACHINE Harry S. Benjamin, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.

I Original application December 26,.194ll, -Serial, .j 7 I.

No. 371,700. Divided and this'application July 7 j 24, 1942, Serial No. 452,159

Claims. (01. 194-55) This invention relates to coin-controlled machines, and particularly to machines wherein the operator is permitted to obtain intermittent free service from the machine.

This application is a divisional application of my pending case Serial No. 371,700, filed December 26, 1940, upon Free service coin-controlled machine. I

The primary object of the invention is to provide a coin-controlled machine where means is provided for enabling the operator of the machine to operate the same for a free operatin cycle after a predetermined number of paid operating cycles have been carried out by the ma chine.

Another object of the invention is to provide a coin-controlled machine having means for retaining the coin of the operator but permittin the carrying out of an additional free operating;-

cycle after a predetermined number of paid operating cycles have been performed thereby permitting the operator to obtain free merchandise on a free cycle of the operation of the machine or the return of another coin equal to the merchandise.

Another object of the invention is to provide a coin-controlled machine wherein means is provided for enabling the operator to carry out a complete working cycle without using a coin after a predetermined number of paid working cycles ing the operator When a free working Cycle has arrived.

Another object of the invention is to provide a coin-controlledmachine having means for enabling the operator to receive a coin in addition to the coin inserted in the machine after a predetermined number of paid working cycles has been efiected to condition the machine for a free benefit or premium surface.

Another object of the invention is to provide a coin-controlled machine wherein means is pro-' vided for enabling the operator to carry out a complete working cycle of the machine after a predetermined number of paid working cycles thereof so that at the end of the predetermined number of paidcycles, the operator will receive and arrangement of the various parts. H

an article of merchandise aswellias ith'eflcoinin serted by the operator. p

L 1 Another objector the invention is toprovide a coin-controlled machine as setior'th in the proceding objects wherein means is provided io re'n abling the operator to carry outa complete "work ing cycle of the machineafter a predetermined number of paid operations whereb said operator will receive an article of merchandise and aco'irl other thanthe one depo-sited beiore the tree-cycle operation. j H

Other objectsand advantages ofthe invention will become apparent during the course'ofthe following description of the 'drawings'wherein Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of apreferred embodimentiof the invention illustrating portions thereof broken awayvfor illustrating the details Fig. 2 is a vertical cross sectionalview taken line 22 of Fig. 1, lookingin the direction of the arrows, further illustrating details of construction and the arrangement of the coin operating lever.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing a coin in position and illustratingthe"manner in which theflcoin is moved by the operating plunger.

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of a modified form of the invention showing a ratchet coin release mechanism in lieu of the rack bar structure shown in the form of the invention in Figs. 1 m3 inclusive. 1 f

Fig. 5 is a fragmentaryside elevational view of another modified form of the invention in which a rack bar is employed to determine the length of the' free service cycle between paid cycles so that a'coinl will be returned to the operator 4 addition to an article of merchandise.

Fig. 6 is a vertical cross sectional view on th vertical line B-fiof Fig. 5 looking'in thedirection of the arrows illustrating the coin release mechanism operable after a predetermined number of paid operating cycles, and I Fig. '7 is a horizontal cross sectional view taken on lines 1'! of Fig. 5 looking in the direction of the arrows illustrating indetail the relative posi- .-tion of the operating lever and its associated parts. a:

In the drawings, wherein for the purposev of illustrating the invention and wherein like reference characters will be employed to designate like parts throughout the several views the, referenl ze character 20! in Figures 1 to 3 inclusive will gen- .erally be employed to designatea support with a front wall 202 and rear wall 2113, joined by a side wall 204. Formed mine si e 204.. is?

elongated slot 205 serving as a slide for a pair of pins 206 and 201 having heads 208 and 209 on the rear side of the side wall 204, The pins 206 and 201 extend through the slot 205 and are seated in the operating plunger 2 I having a knob 2 by which it is reciprocated by the operator. The pins 206 and 201 are also provided with spacing washers 2I2 (Figure 2) interposed between the side wall 204 anda stop plate 2l3 mounted adjacent the plunger 2!!! and secured thereto by the pins 206 and 201. The plate 213 is provided with a stepped portion 2i4 which serves as a stop for preventing more than a. limited withdrawal of the plunger 2|0 when it is engaged by the projection 215 on the swinging latchl2l'6. which'is. pivoted on the screw H1 and urged downwardly into a normally latchingiposition' by. the coil spring 2I8 secured as at 2|! to the latch 2l6 and at 220 to the side wall 204. The latch 2H5 carries a pin 22| by which it may actuate coin releasing. mechanism in the free servicearrangement subsequently to be described.

Thelatch 2l6 is adapted to beraised. by engagement with the edge of acoin 222' which falls into the space between the Washers 2l2from the coinchute 223.. The latter. is secured as at 224 to the side wall 204' andv extends downwardly from a suitable entrance. slot (not shown) in the upper part of the machine. I

The lower edge. of the coin 222 is adaptedrto rest upon a shelf 2'25 while it is being moved forward during thelwithdrawal of the operating plunger 2"! by the operator. The shelf 225 is in the form-ofa'smalllplatesecuredto the side wall 204. The plunger 2H1 normally occupies the position shovm inv Figure 1: and maybe pushed inward orpulled'outward from this position. Whentheplunger. 2|0is pushed inward, the: coin 222- ma'yvfall over-1 the. rearward edge; of the-shelf 225 through thespacebetween it and M the'pin 226.

Secured to the pin: 226 is one end of alcoil spring22-1. The. pin.226. is. mounted inthe side wall 204. The. other end-of the spring 221 is secured to a pin 228 mounted inand extending, downwardly from the-plunger 210.. The spring 221 normally urgesitheplunger 2I0 inward, but is: restricted in this. by an' opposing spring 229 coiled around the. screw 230 mounted in the. side wall 204 and having its arms respectively engag-il ing the screw 2H and the. pin.206. The spring 2294sv limitedin.its thr'usting motion by the pin 226. (Figure il) and thus. urges. the plunger 2L0 into an intermediate positioniromwhich it' may be xpushed either inwardror outward. When it is; pushed inward; the coin 222-. falls over the rear edge-of thesshelt 225and is returned to the-operator, whereas when it is pulled forward, the

coin 222 falls; overthe. front edge of. the shelf tion orthe plunger-2m just before the free-service's and; merchandise-delivering mechanism starts functioning.

The free service mechanism. is actuated by a pin 235 mounted on the plunger 2H) and engageable with thelower end of. charm 23-1 loosely" mounted upon a pivot pin 23!! secured to the side wall 204. Also loosely mounted upon the pin 238 is a bell crank lever 239 having a pin 240 engageable with the arm 231, to which it is yieldably connected by a coil spring 24| attached as at 242 and 243 to the bell crank lever 239 and arm 231 respectively. The spring 24! is of sufficient tension to hold the pin 240 of the bell crank lever. 239 in engagement with the arm 231,. yet permits the latter to be pulled further to the left at the end of the stroke of the plunger 210. The purpose of this is to allow for the longer stroke of the plunger 2l0than is necessary to actuate the free-service mechanism.

The. free-end of the bell crank lever 239 is provided with a notch 244 which engages a pin 2.45 mounted in a slide 246 which is guided for vertical reciprocation by pins 241 engaging ver-- tical slots 246 in the slide 246. The pins 241 are mounted in the side wall 204 and have enlarged heads for the purpose of retaining, the slide 246 on thetpins 241';

The slide 246 carries apin' 245 upon which an irregularly shaped pawl 250 is'pivotally mounted. The pawl 250 is provided with a point 25| engageable with the teeth 252 of a ratchet bar 253 which controls the'fi'ee service. The ratchet bar 253 is provided with slots 254 engageable by pins 255 mounted in the side wall 204 for the purpose of'guiding the vertical reciprocation oithe ratchet bar 253. The ratchet bar 2531s urged downwardly by means of'a coil spring256 secured as at 251 to the end 258 projectingi'rom the ratchet bar 253. The spring 256 is anchored at its opposite end to the pin 259 mounted in the side wall. 204.

The pawl 250 is provided with an integral lever arm 260 to which is attached a coil spring 26i anchored to a pin 202' mounted on the slide 246. The spring 26i urges the point 25! of the pawl 250 into engagement with the ratchet-teeth 252. Asa consequence, when the plunger 2 I0 is pulled forward a suflicient distance, the pin 236 swings the arm 231 and with it the bell crank lever 239,

' raising the slide 246 by the engagement of the et bar 253 is temporarily locked in theattained position by a holding pawl 263, pivoted on the pin 264 mounted in the sidewall 204 and having its point 265 urged into engagement with the teeth 252.by the coil spring266. attached as at 261 to the pawl 263 and at 266 to the side wall The ratchet bar 253,15 provided with a number of teeth 252 corresponding to. the number of coins 222'which it is desired to collect before the machine executes a free service stroke and delivers merchandise while either returning the buyers coin or giving him another coin of the same denomination. The ratchet bar 253 is moved upward one tooth at a time corresponding to each stroke of the plunger H0. The final or lowest tooth 269 extends farther outward than the remaining teeth and serves to control the free service mechanism.

In order to permit the-ratchet bar 253 to drop just before the free service stroke, it is necessary to hold the points; 25! and 265 of the pawls 250 and 263 away fromthe teeth. 252i oi the rack bar 253. To accomplish this, the pawl 250 is provided with a rectangular aperture 210 which is sutficiently large to permit the pawl 250 to move back and forth over each tooth 252 without actuating the remaining mechanism but insufficient to prevent this when the final tooth 269 is reached.

Entering the rectangular aperture 210 is a pin 2'11 mounted on one end of a bent lever 2'12 which pivots loosely upon a pivot pin 2'13 mounted on the side wall 294. The bent lever 212 is provided at its end with a pin 2'14 to which one end of a coil spring 2'15 is attached, the other end being secured to a pin 2'16 mounted upon the outer end of a bell crank latching lever 2'11 likewise loosely pivoted upon the pin 213. The end of the latching lever 21'! is provided with a notch 2'18 which is adapted under certain circumstances to engage the pin 2'19 in the upper end of the pawl 259 (Figure 3). The swinging of the bell crank latching lever 211. is limited by a pin 211a mounted on the bent lever 212. The bent lever 2'12 carries a pin 280 adapted to engage the lower end of the pawl 263 and swing the tip 265 thereof out of engagement with the teeth 252 on the ratchet bar 253. 1

When the free service stroke is reached, the upper end of the pawl 263 is similarly latched in a retracted position by a detent 231 having a point 282a engageable with the upper end of the pawl 263 (Figure 3). The pawl 281 is loosely pivoted upon the pin 282 mounted in the side wall 204. Also loosely and pivotally mounted upon the pin is a detent actuating lever 283 having arms 224 engageable with a pin 285 on an ear 286 projecting from theratchet bar 253. The detent actuating lever 293 is also provided with an arm 29! which is engageable with a lower pin 238 mounted upon the ratchet bar 253. The detent actuating 1ever 283 is provided with a pin 289 engageable with the detent 281 to lift the latter when the lever 283 is swung in a counterclockwise direction.

In order to hold the detent actuating lever 283 v coil spring 296 attached as at 29'! to the lever 294 and at 298,170 the side wall 294.

In order to warn the operator of the approach of a free service stroke, the machine is provided with a bell 299 mounted upon the pin 399 secured to the side Wall 294. The bell 299 is struck by the end of a bell crank 391 which is loosely and pivotally mounted upon the pin 332 secured to the upper end of the ratchet bar 253. The other arm of the bell crank 301 is engaged by one end of a coil spring 363, the opposite end of which is secured to the pin 394 mounted on the ratchet bar 253. The upward motion of the bell crank 391 is limited by a pin 395 mounted on the upper end of the ratchet bar 253. Thus the bell crank 301 is free to swing downward'under its .own momentum to strike the bell 299 when the ratchet bar 253 is halted after dropping from its upper position (Figure 3) to its lower position (Figure 1).

In thefree service operation, the operator does not get back the coin which he deposited, but receives a substitute coin of the same denomination held in a suppl chute 396 having spaced arcuate notches 31!? and 398 respectively. The notches 39'! and 308 are entered by stop pins 369 and 310 on two of the arms of an approximately pin 312 secured to the chute 223.

at 313 to the remaining arm of the lever 311 is a coil spring 314, the opposite end of which is anchored as at 315 to the side Wall 204. The Y-shaped lever 3| 1 is limited in its swinging by a pin 316 mounted upon the coin chute 223.

Pivotally connected as at 311 to the Y-shaped lever 311 is a link 318 having a bent end 319 engageable with the pin 221 when the pin 221 with the latch 216 is raised by the top edge of a coin 214 as the latter is drawn forwardly by the operation of the plunger 210. Pivotally attached as at 321) to the linke 318 is a link 321 which is pivotally attached as at 322 to the upper end of a lever 323. The lever 323 is pivoted upon a pin 323 and is provided with an arm 325 engageable with the lower end of the ratchet bar 253, when the latter drops at the time of a profit-sharing stroke. The pivot pin 324 is mounted in a bracket 326 offset from and secured to the coin shelf 225. The bracket 326 is provided with stop pins 321 and 328 for limiting the swinging motion of the lever 323. The latter is urged in a clockwise direction by the coil spring 329 secured as at 330 to the lever 323 and at 331 to the bracket 326. In the operation of the modification of Figures 1 to 3 inclusive, the operator inserts a coin 214 in the coin chute 223. The coin drops downward into the space between the spacing washers 212, as shown in Figure 1. During its descent the coin is, of course, subjected to the usual tests for fraud and proper denomination.

The operator now grasps the knob 21 1 and pulls the plunger 219 outward (Figure 1). As he does so, the upper edge of the coin 222 engages the portion 215 of the latch 216 and lifts it. Otherwise, when no coin is in the machine, the abutment 214 engages the latch portion 215 after the plunger 210 has been withdrawn but a short distance. Except when free service takes place, the upward motion of the latch 216 does not affect the operation of the remainder of the mechanism because the end 319 of the link 318 is swung out of the way of the pin 221 (Figure 3). Meanwhile, the pawl 232 has engaged the ratchet teeth 231 to prevent the pushing in of the plunger 216 until the operation has been completed.

Up to the time the pawl 232 engages the first tooth 231, however, the operator may change his mind and have his coin returned to him. To do so, he merely pushes backthe plunger 2 11], whereupon the bottom edge of the coin 214 rolls over the right-hand end of the coin shelf 225 and drops downward into the coin return chute, and thence is returned to the operator.

Assuming, however, that the operators choice remains unchanged and that he continues to pull the plunger 210 outward, the pin 236 thereon soon engages the lower end of the arm 23! and swings it and the bell crank lever 239 through an arcuate path, due to the yielding connection 241 therebetween. When this occurs, the notched end 244 of the bell crank 239 swings the pin 245 and slide 246 upward, carrying with the latter the ratchet bar 253, due to the engagement of the pawl tip 251 with the ratchet teeth 252. The motion of the plunger 219 is just sufiicient to move the ratchet bar 253 upward one tooth.

While this raising is being completed, the tip 265 of the pawl 263 rides over the tooth 252 irnmediately beneath it and comes to rest in the notch between the next two teeth, holding the ratchet bar 253 in its raised position. When the plunger 219 is pulled to the end of its outer stroke, the coin. 214 rides over the front edge of the coin shelf 225 and drops downward through the space machine. At thesame-time, the vending mechanism operated from the IOdlZUG mounted on the plunger -2|0 (Figure 2) releases and deliversian article of merchandise to the operator or performs "some other service for which the operator has paid. The operator then releases theplunger 2 H), which is returned to its original position (Figure l) by the coil spring 221.

Upon the return stroke of .theplunger 2), the arm 231 is released from engagement with the pin 236, permitting the bell crank 239 and slide 246 to drop downward. When this occurs, the point 25! of the pawl 25!) rides over the tooth 252 immediately below it while the pawl 263 prevents the ratchet bar 253 from falling. The ratchet-250 .is permitted by the aperture 210 to move to and fro over each tooth without interfering with or actuating the pin 21! and bent lever 212.

As subsequent coins are deposited in the machine, the above described mechanism and operations of the plunger 2 l cause the ratchetbar 253 to be raised tooth by tooth until it reaches its topmost position (Figure 3).. The number of strokes through which the machine must be op.

erated before free service occurs depends upon the number of teeth 252 upon the ratchet bar 253. When the lowest and largest tooth 269 engages the tip 25! of the pawl 250, it pushes the latter backward an abnormal amount (Figure 3) and causes the edge of the rectangular aperture 21!] to engage the pin 21! and swing the bent lever 2.12 around its pivot 213. During this action, the pin 286 on the bent lever 212 engages the lower end of the pawl 263 and swings the tip 265 thereof out of the path of the ratchet teeth 252, whereupon the point 282a of the detent 28! slips over the upper end of the pawl 263 and latches it in its withdrawn position (Figure 3). Meanwhile, the pin 219 upon the upper end of the pawl 25!) has slipped into the notch 218 in the outer end of the latching lever 211 (Figure 3), likewise latching the pawl 25!) out of the path-of the teeth 252 of the ratchet bar 253.

With both pawls 250- and 263 latched out of the path of the ratchet teeth 252, the ratchet bar 253 is released and moves rapidly downward under the influence of its coil spring 256, coming to a halt (Figure 1) when its lower end encounters the arm 325 of the lever 323. At the same time, the pin 285 encounters the arm 284 of the lever 283 and swings the latter so that the pin 283 lifts the detent 28! off the end of the pawl 263, releasing the latter. The pin 293 on the holding lever 2S4 meanwhile moves from the first notch 29! to H the second notch 292 in the arm 29!) of the lever 283.

When the ratchet bar 253 has reached the end of its descent, the momentum of the bell crank 30! mounted on the upper end thereof causes the latter to move onward, striking the bell 299 and announcing the arrival of a free service stroke. At the same time, the encounter of the lower end of the ratchet bar 253 with the arm 325 of the lever 323 swings the latter counter-clockwise, moving the bent portion 3!!! of the link 3I8 into position (Figure 1) immediately above the pin 22! upon the latch 2!6. The operator then inserts another coin and withdraws the plunger 2 I 0, the edge of the coin 222 lifting the latch H6 in the usual manner. Now, however, the pin 22! vengages the bent portion 3!9 of the link 3l8 and swings the Y-shaped lever 3!! in a clockwise direction, withdrawing the pin 309 from the arcuate slot 301 and at the same time inserting the pin behind the bracket 326 into the coin box 'of the 3l6 in the arcuate-slot 308. This permits a coin -332 to fall from the reserve chute 366into the coin return chute, from which it reaches the operator. The pin 3| ll prevents more thanone coin trom being delivered-at any one stroke. The coin 222 inserted-by the operator, however, rides over the forward end of the coin shelf 225 and drops into the coin box in the usual manner. At the same time, however, the motion of the plunger 2!!) and the rod 206 (Figure 2) has caused the actuation of the vending mechanism and the delivery of an article of merchandise. Thus the operator of the free service stroke has received a coin equal in denomination to the coin which he inserted and at the same time has also received an article of merchandise. As subsequent coins are inserted and the plunger2! 6 is operated,

l the action of the pawl on the slide 246 pushes Reciprocating When this occurs, the free service stroke takes ,place upon the next stroke of the plunger 2 tin the manner previously described.

coin-controlled machine with rotary intermittent free service mechanism The modified machine shown in Figure 4 is similar in principle to the machine shown in Figures 1 to 3 inclusive, except that a rotary ratchet 340 is employed in'pl'ace of the linear ratchet bar 253. The lower portion of the mechanism including the plunger 2!!) and the parts immediately associated with it, are the same as in the previous form of the invention and are similarly designated. The parts are shown in their .positions at the end of the last paid stroke, the next stroke being a free service stroke.

The rotary ratchet 346 is pivotally mounted upon a pivot pin 34! and is provided with teeth 342 engaged by the end of a pawl 343 pivoted as at 344 upon an arm 345, which in turn is loosely pivoted upon the pin 34!. A holding pawl 346 likewise engages the ratchet teeth 342 and holds the ratchet 340 in its attained position. The holding pawl 346 is in the form of a bell crank lever pivoted upon a pin 341 and urged-into engagement with the ratchet 34!) by means of a coil spring '348 secured as at 349 to the bellcrank lever 346 and at 350 to the reserve 'coin chute 35! The pawl 343 is urged into engagement with the ratchet teeth 342 by a coil spring 352 secured at its'opposite ends to the pins 353 and 354 upon the pawl 343 and arm 345 respectively. Also secured at one end to the pin 354 is a coil spring 355 secured at its other end to a pin 356 mounted on a swinging arm 351. The latter is loosely and pivotally mounted upon the pivot pin 34'! with its lower end in the path of the pin 236 upon the plunger 2H). The coil spring 355 serves as a yielding connection between the arm 351 and the arm 345, to compensate for the stroke of the plunger 2) beyond the path of swing of the arm 345.

The free service strike is determined by a notched disk 358 secured to and rotatable with the ratchet 34!! around their common axis 34!. The disk 358 is provided with a notch 359 at one point in its periphery, this notch being engageable with the end 360 of'a bent lever 36! which is urged therein by a coil spring 362 secured at its opposite ends to pins 383 and 364 mounted on the arms 351 and bent lever 36! respectively. The bent lever 36! also carries a pivot pin 365 upon which is mounted one end of a link 366, the other end of which is pivotally mounted upon the pin 361 carried by the link 368. The lower end of the link 368 is provided with a bent portion 369 similar to the bent portion 319 on the link 3111 of Figure l. The link 368 is urged downward by a coil spring 310 secured thereto as at 311 and having its opposite end anchored to the pin 312 mounted on the coin chute 223. The upper end of the link 36B is pivotally mounted upon a pin 313 carried by a bell crank 314 having pins 315 and 316 adapted to enter arcuate slots 311 and 318 in the reserve coin chute 351. The motion of the bell crank lever 314 is limited by the stop pin 319.

In the operation of the modification of Figure 4, the operator, as before, inserts a coin in the coin chute 223. The coin drops into the space between the spacing washers 212 with its lower edge resting upon the coin shelf 225. The operator now pulls out the plunger 210, whereupon the pawl engages the ratchet teeth 231 and the coin 222 engages and lifts up the latch 216. As the plunger continues to move forward, the pin 236 thereon engages and swings the arm 351 to the left, likewise swinging the arm 345 through the spring connection 355. This action advances the pawl 343 and rotates the ratchet 340 through a single tooth 342. The vending mechanism connected to the shaft 206 releases an article of merchandise to the operator and the coin 2.14 drops over the front edge of the coin shelf 225 into the coin box. As in the case of the form of invention of Figures 1 to 3 inclusive, the operator can change his mind and get his coin back until he has withdrawn the plunger 210 a suflicient distance for a pawl 232 to engage the first ratchet tooth 23 I.

The withdrawal of the merchandise takes place as before after each coin has been deposited. The point 360 of the bent leyer 361 meanwhile engages the periphery of the disk 358, and the link 366 holds the end 369 of the lever 368 out of the path of the pin 221 on the latch 216. Accordingly, no free service takes place as long as the bent lever 361 is held in this position by the periphery of the disk 350.

When the notch 350 in the disk 358 arrives opposite the end 360 of the bent lever 361, as

end 369 of the lever 360 into the path of the pin 221 on the latch 216, as shown in Figure 4. On

the next stroke of the plunger 210, therefore, the latch 216 is raised by its engagement with the coin 222 as before, but the pin 221 now engages the end 369 of the lever 368 and swings the bell crank 314 in a clockwise direction, moving the pin 316 out of thearcuate slot 318 while moving the pin 315 into the arcuate slot 311. This action releases the first coin in the reserve coin chute 351, and the released coin drops into the coin return chute and is recovered by the operator. Meanwhile, an additional article of merchandise has been vended in the usual way. The operator thus receives a coin of the same denomination which he deposited in the machine, and also receives an article of merchandise when theprofit sharing stroke arrives, as determined by the position ofthe notch 359 and the number of teeth 342 on the ratchet 340.

Reciprocating coin-controlled machine with intermittent free service coin-returning mechanism The modified machine shown in Figures 5 to 7 inclusive is generally similar to that shown in Figures 1 to 3 inclusive, except that on the free service stroke of the machine, the operator gets back the same coin which he deposited in the machine, instead of receiving a substitute coin of the same denomination, as in the form of invention shown in Figures 1 to 3 inclusive. In the modification of Figure 5, the mechanism above the plunger 210 is substantially the same as that shown in Figures 1 to 3 inclusive, hence the same reference numerals are employed where such similarity exists. The reserve coin supply chute 306 and its associated mechanism are, however, omitted because the operator's coin is returned to him instead of a substitute coin. Instead, a movable coin shelf is provided which is interposed beneath the coin on the free service stroke and prevents the coin from dropping into the coin box. When the operator returns the plunger 210, therefore, his coin is returned to him in the usual way 'while he receives the free article of merchandise.

In the modification of Figure 5, the pawl 232 is provided as before but its pivot pin 233 is mounted directly upon the side wall204 instead of upon the coin shelf which was designated 225 in Figures 1 to 3 inclusive. In Figure 5 the coin shelf 400 is movable and for this purpose is provided with a pair of oblique slots 401 and 402 which serve as guide slots for the downward oblique motion of the coin shelf 400. The guide slot 401 is engaged by the pivot pin 233 of the pawl 232, whereas the guide slot-402 is engaged by the pin 403 seated in the sidewall 204. The

coin shelf 400 retains its'normal position during. the forward stroke of the plunger 210 and is automatically retracted upon the return stroke thereof in order to permit the coin 214 to fall into the coin return chute upon the free service stroke of the machine.

The movable shelf 400 is actuated on the return stroke of the plunger 210, the pin 404 merely rides overthearm 405 and pushes it to one side without actuating the lever 401. On the return stroke of the plunger 210, however, the pin 404 engages the opposite side of the arm 405 and shifts the latter to the right. When this occurs, theprojection 411 on the arm 405 engages the pin 412 on the lever 401 and causes the latter to be shifted clockwise around its pivot 406. This action causes the pin 413 on the movable coin shelf 400 to be swung downwardly in an oblique direction by its engagement with the slot 414 in the lever 401. The pivot pin 406 is mounted on the offset bracket 415 which is riveted to the side wall 204 (Figure '1).

' In this manner the coin shelf 400 moves downwardly to the left in an oblique direction during the retraction stroke of the plunger 210. While the motion of the coin shelf 400 is only necessary during the return stroke of the plunger at the time of the free service stroke, in order to permit the coin to be returned to the operator. The oncurrence of this motion upon every stroke is merely for the purpose of mechanical simplicity and has no effect on other strokes because the coin on an ordinary stroke has already dropped into the coinbox at the front of the machine.

The free service mechanism includes a swinging coin shelf generally designated 416 (Figure 6) the other arm 420 of which projects through the aperture 42l in the side wall204 (Figure and terminates in a projection 422 extending into the 1 'path of the lower end of the rack bar'253. The "bell crank lever 4 I 9 is pivotally mounted upon the horizontal pins 423 (Figure 7) at their opposite ends by the'a'ngular brackets 424 riveted to the side wall 204 as at 425. The coin shelf 4H can project through anaperture 426 in the side wall 204 but is normally urged outward by the'coil spring'42l secured at one end to the'proje'ction 1428 on the swinging coin r'est 4I6 (F a at its other en'dto the pin 429 mounted on the side wall 204.

In the operation of the modificationshown in "Figures 5 to '7 inclusive, the operator inserts a coin in the coin chute 223 as before. The coin drops down into the space" between the washers 2l2 as" before, with'it's' lower edge resting upon the'c'oin .shelf 400. The .'operatornow pulls'the plunger zlo forward; and, as before, can changehis'mind and get his coin back by pushingtheplun'g'er inward as long as it has not reached 'the'point where the pawl 232 has engaged the first ratchet I tooth 23L Assuming that the operator'doe'n0t change his mindbut continues to withdraw the plunger 2l0,- the coin 2l4, as before; lifts the latch 216 and slides along with its top edge in engage- I ment with the projection 215 thereof, the'proiection 2 I5 in Figure 5 being somewhat more-elongated than theo n'e in Figure 1. I

.Whenthe pin 236 on the plunger 210 engages the lower end of the arm23l during the forward stroke of the plunger 210, the slide 246 and its .pawl 250 are moved upward in the manner described in connection with Figures 1' to 3 inclusive, advancing the rack bar 253 upward'by one tooth 252. a As the swinging coin rest4l1'is held out beyond the aperture 426 away from the path of the coin 222 during this operation, thecoin 222 falls over the front edge; of the coinrest '400and drops into the coin box; Meanwhile, the vending mechanism of the machinehasben et in operation by the motion of the rod 206 (Figure 7) in -the -manner described previously and an article of merchandise hasreached the operator, or the 1 service for which'he has paid has been performed in the event that the mechanism is employed to perform a service rather than vend merchandise. The rack bar 253 continues to be moved upward toothby toothat everypaid operation of the p1unge'r,2l0, each coin 222- falling into the coin box at the end of the forward stroke. When :the rack bar 253 reaches, the top of its stroke, in the .same position as shown in Figure 3, the pawls 250 and 263, are latched out of the. path of the v teeth 252 by the'mechanism set in operation by the elongated tooth 269 at the bottom of the rack bar 253, as discussed in connection with Figure 3.

.arin .;'420, which swings the coin rest, 4 I I through macawe 426 (Figure 6) into the'path of the .coin 222. Thus the swinging coin rest 4l'l'is now interposedbeneath the coin 222' so that it cannot fall into the coin box. The coin; accordingly, returns to the position shown in Figure 5, sliding along the top o f the swinging-coin rest4:|1. -;As the plunger 2"] returns, however, the pin 404 which consists of a coin rest 4|] constituting the V I swings the am 405 and lever llll in'*the'manner "bent end ofan arm 418 on a' bell crank lever4l9,

previously described, shifting themovahle coin rest 400' obliquely downward'and permitting the coin 2l4 to drop into thecoin rest chute, whence it is returned to the operator. Meanwhile, the

vending mechanism attached to the rod 206 (Figure 7) has vended an article of merchandise so that on this free service stroke, theoperatorhas "received the identical coin which be deposited and at the same time has also received an'article 01' merchandise or hasreceived the s'ervicewhich the machine otherwise performs.

In Figure 6, the parts are shown in their'positions at the end of the last paid stroke, the next stroke being free service stroke.

While I haveshown and described my invention in'detail, it is to'be' understood that the same is to be limited only by the appended claims for many"changes may be made without departing fromthe spirit and'scope of my invention.

What I claim is l. A coin operated machine-comprising anopcrating member-normall free to'move' in'one direction and locked against movement in the opposite direction, means'operable by the-inser- "tion of a coin in'the machine for releasing the operating member for movement in said opposite direction, coin retaining mechanism associated with the machine,'a step by stepfree service device operable 'by a predetermined number of paid operating cycles of the operating member in said opposite direction to'discharge a coin from said one direction 'to return the coin to the operator prior to its movement in said opposite direction.

2. Acoin operated machine, comprising an op- "erating plungerspring loaded against movement in two 'dire'ctionsfmeans' for'normally holding the operating plunger latched against movement in one direction; means controlled by the insertion of a coin for releasing the operating plunger to operate the -machine coin retaining mechanism associated withsaidmachine' and a free service mechanism operable uponapredetermined numberof paid operating cycles ofthe machine for discharging a coin from the coin'retainingmechanism to the'operator said operating'plunger' be- "ing' movablein' the other direction to return the coin to the operator prior tomanipulation of the "operatingplunger in its other direction;

' 3. -A coin-controlled machine; comprising an operating'm'einber normally locked against move- -ment in one offits two directions of -m'o've'm'ent and adapted to be released by the insertion 'of' a coin in thernachine 'to allow-operation of the 'machineto dispense an article, coin retaining mechanism and a step by step mechanism controlled by the movement of said operating member in saidone'dire'ction to release acoin from th 'coin'retaining mechanism of said machine upon a predetermined number of paid operations of the machine whereby the-'operator will receive an article dispensed aswell asa coin from said com retaining mechanism of the same denomination inserted in the machine said operating member being operable in thebtheh direction to return 6 operating member normally locked :a'gainstmove- -ment in I one of its two directions of, movement --;anda-coin chute, coinretainingmeansassociated with the mechanism, means for releasing the operating member upon the insertion of a coin in said chute to allow movement of said operating member, a step by step mechanism adapted to be advanced by movement of the operating member,

5. In a coin-controlled machine, an operating plunger having coin receiving members, means for feeding a coin to the coin receiving members, coin retention means associated with said machine, a ratchet mechanism controlled by the operating plunger and detent means operable by the ratchet mechanism after said ratchet mechanism has been advanced to a predetermined position for returning a coin to the operator from said coin-retention means and upon the completion of a number of paid operations of the coin-controlled mechanism.

6. In a coin-controlled machine, an operating member adapted to be reciprocated having coin receiving means thereon, coin holding mechanism associated with said machine, a step by step mechanism controlled by the operating member, means interconnecting said operating member and step by step mechanism to advance said mechanism a step forward upon each reciprocation of said operating member and means for discharging a coin from the coin holding mechanism of the machine after the step by step mechanism has advanced a predetermined distance and said operating member has been reciprocated a predetermined number of times.

'7. A coin-controlled machine, comprising a plunger normally locked against movement in one direction and releasable and operable by the insertion of a coin in the machine to perform a service when moved in the direction of locked movement, a free service mechanism operated by the plunger after a predetermined number of paid operating cycles thereof, coin holding mechanism associated with said machine, and means controlled by the free service mechanism for allowing the discharge of a coin from said coin holding mechanism at the end of the predeterminednumber of paid operating cycles of said machine.

8. A coin-controlled machine, comprising an operating plunger normally locked against movement in one direction and releasable and operable for rendering a service upon the insertion of a coin in the machine, coin holding mechanism associated with the machine, a step by step mechanism controlled by the operating plunger and pre-set after a predetermined number of paid operating cycles of the 'plunger to render a free service and means operable by the step by step mechanism to allow the discharge of a coin from the coin holding mechanism of said machine at the end of the predetermined number of paid operating cycles in addition to the service rendered upon the insertion of another coin in the machine.

9. A coin-controlled machine, comprising an operating plunger for rendering a service upon the insertion of a coin in the machine, coin holding mechanism associated with the machine, and a step by step mechanism operably connected to the plunger for discharging a coin from said holding mechanism simultaneously with the rendering of said service when the step by step mechanism has .advanced a predetermined number of steps and the operating lever is again operated by the insertion of another coin in the machine.

10. A coin-controlled machine, comprising an operating member movable in one direction for rendering a service upon the insertion of a coin in the machine, coin holding mechanism associated with said machine, means operable by the operating member for discharging a coin from the coin holding mechanism of the machine after the operating member has been operated a predetermined number of times in said one directionv and means for allowing the return of the coin inserted in the machine upon movement of the operating member in the other direction and beforethe operating plunger has been moved a predetermined distance to complete a working cycle of the machine.

11. A coin-controlled machine, comprising an operating plunger operable in one direction for causing the machine to render a service, coin holding mechanism associated with the machine, a step by step mechanism operated by the plunger and adapted to be advanced a step at a time upon each reciprocation thereof and means con-- trolled by the step by step mechanism after advancement thereof, to a predetermined position for discharging a coin from the coin holding mechanism of the machine in addition to the service being rendered, said plunger being operable in the other direction to return the coin to the operator before the service has been rendered.

12. A coin-controlled machine, comprising a normally locked operating member adapted to be released by the insertion of a coin in the machine to render a service, coin holding mechanism associated with the machine, a step by step mechanism operably connected to the operating member adapted to be advanced a step at a time upon each reciprocation of said operating plunger and detent escapement means controlled by the step by step mechanism for discharging a coin from the coin holding mechanism of the machine when the operating member has been operated a pre- 1 distance, and means associated with the operating plunger for allowing the return of the coin inserted in the machine before a paid operating cycle of the machine has been completed.

14. In a coin-controlled machine, coin operated service rendering mechanism, a manually actuated, machine operating member, a coin magazine arranged to contain a plurality of coins, coinreleasing mechanism associated with said magazine and operable to release a single coin in response to a single stroke thereof, a coin receiver, means responsive to the insertion of a coin and actuation of said operating member for discharging the inserted coin into said coin receiver while actuating said service-rendering mechanism, a free service means responsive to the completion of a predetermined number of paid strokes of i actuating said service rehiieriii i'neehanism and free-service ratchet mechanism responsive to the completion of a predetermined number of paid strokes of said operating member foractuating said coin-releasing mechanism whereby to exchange a coin for the'coin inserted by "the operator. I

'16. 'In a coin-contrblld inachi'negcoin operated service rendering mechanism, a frianiiaIIy actuated machine operating member, -a coih'hiagazine arranged to Y centamapiuraiityattains, cam

releasing mechanism associat'e'diivith said -ni'ag'a- Zine'a'nd operable to rel'asea 'singlecoin in response to asingle snake thereof, a coin receiver, means responsive -t'o the insertion of a coin and actuation of "said-operating memb'er 'fordischarging the inserted cbin in'to sai'd coin receiver while actuating said service rendering-mechanism, and free service mechanismincluding i a recipr'ocable ratchet and re's ons1ve to the completion or "a predetermined number at paitl rok'es of said operating member for actiiating sai'd coin-releasing mechanism whereby to exehang'e "a "coin -for the coin inserted by tae epemor.

1'7. In a c'oin controlledmachinaeoin operated service rendering mechanism, a r'n'airiually actuated machine 'operatin'g niember, a eoin'inagazine-arranged to contain'a -plurality of coins; c'oinreleasing mechz'mi'sr'n assdciated' with saih magazinc and operableto*'relase="a sihgle coin in response-to a single stroke the'redf, a ccinreceiver, means res onsive "to th'e ins'ftion fif a co'in and actuation of said olb iatingihembr fbr discharging the; inserted coin ihtd saidhin receiver while actuating said service rendering mechanism, free service -In'e'cha'nism 3 including a reciprocab'le ratchet and iesponsiv'eto the e'c "m'pletion of a predetermined number of "paid "strokes "of said operating member for actiiatih'g said coin-releasin'g mechanism whereby to exchange-a coin for the" coin-inserted by the-operator, "dtent devices normally operative to? limit I the advancement of said ratchet' to a Single 'too'th in 'response'to a single paid *stroke of said 'operating "member, means f orretracting saidratchet at the "time of a free service -stroke, and means for holding said detent devices out et engagement with said ratchet in response -t0 the attainment of a -'rree service stroke whereby to hermit "the retraction of said ratchet.

men-gm -18. In a coin-controlled'machine,coin operated service rendering mechanism, a manually actuated machine operating membena coin magazinearranged to contain apluralityof coins, coin releasing'mechanism associated with said magazine and operable to release a single coin in response to a single'stroke thereof, a coin receiver, means responsive to the insertion'of a coin and actuation of saidoperating member'for discharging the inserted coin'into said*coin receiver while actuating said'se'rvice-rendering mechanism, and free service mechanism including a rotary ratchet and responsive to the completion of a predetermined number of paid strokes of said operating member for actuating said coin releasing mechan-is'm whereby to exchange a coin for the coin inserted by the operator.

19. In a coin-controlled machine, coin operated service rendering mechanism, a manually actuated machine operating member, means responsive-to the insertion'of a coin in'the machine for permitting a full stroke of said operating member, means responsive to adullst'roke of said operating member for actuating said service rendering mechanism, a coin return passageway, a coin receiver, means for discharging the inserted coin into said receiver concomitantly with a paid stroke of said operating member, 'free service meansresponsive to the completion of a predetermined number of paid strokesof said operating member for preventing the discharge of the inserted coin in said coin receiver during the operating stroke ofsaid operating member, and means responsive to a reverse stroke of said operating member for discharging the inserted coin into said coin-return passageway whereby to return the coin totheoperator while rendering the service.

2'0. In a coin-controlled machine-coin operated service rendering mechanism a'manually'actuated machine operating member, means responsiveto-the insertionof ac'oin in the machine for permitting a full stroke of-said operating member, meansresponsive to-afull stroke of said operating member for actuatingsaid-service rendering mechanism a coin return-passageway, a coin receiver, means for-discharging t'he inserted coin' into said receiver-concomitantly with a paid stroke of said operating member, an obstructor movable into and "out of coin obstructing relationship with said coin receiver, free service means responsive to the completion of a predetermined number of paidstrokes of said operating member for interposingsaid obstructor between said operating member and said 'coin receiver whereby to prevent the dischargeof th inserted coin in said coin receiver during the operating stroke of said operating membenand --means responsive to a reverse stroke'cfsai'd operating member for discharging the -inserted-coin-into said coin-return passagewaywhereby'to return the coin to the operatorwhile rendering the service. I

HARRY S.BENJAMIN. 

